Tremlett doubtful for second Test

Chris Tremlett, the England fast bowler, is likely to be omitted from the second Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi because of a recurrence of the back and side problems that plagued him for much of last summer.

"He had a sore back and side yesterday," said England captain, Andrew Strauss. "He's going to have to bowl today before we know whether he's fit or not." Tremlett then spent England's final net session sitting on a box of drinks, suggesting that his omission was inevitable.

The same injury kept him out of England contention for nearly six months after his back problem first materialised before last summer's Trent Bridge Test against India.

Strauss said there was no cause to send Tremlett for a scan. "There is just some general stiffness and soreness there."